While driving on a dry road, the light on the dash board went on to indicate the car was sliding... The steering wheel locked up, I had no brakes, I had to glide to a stop. This happened 4 times in one day. I was able to glide to a stop, shut the van off, restart it only for it to happen again. I took it to my mechanic who stated it was a computer chip issue and that I would have to go to a dealer to get it fixed for approx $1,800.00. I could've seriously injured and/or killed myself and those around me.
Dodge Caravan brake failure problems
346 of the 10,018 owner complaints about the Dodge Caravan describe brake failure, most of them for the 1993 model year.
- owner complaints
- 346
- worst model year
- 1993
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,800
- typical mileage
- 92,875
Is there a fix? There are 6 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
ABS 168Stalling 7Fire or smoke 6No deployment 5Steering lock-up 4Spongy pedal 4Grinding brakes 4Airbag light 4
What owners say
I have owned my dodge caravan since april 2016 and have needed 3 extensive brake jobs totaling over $3,000 which included new pads, rotors and calipers. I have read on other sights I am not the only one that has this problem with the same vehicle. I am about to take my vehicle in for the forth time and am very frustrated with this problem. I drive my four children around in this vehicle and need it to be safe. That is why I originally bought this vehicle. No brakes are not safe.
Brakes stopped working in middle of driving almost cause a car accident. I looked up the problem and they did a recall on the ABS brake system. Would just like to bring it in to get it fixed.
Tl* the contact owns a 1993 dodge caravan. The contact stated while driving at unknown speed, the brakes failed making it extremely difficult to stop the vehicle. The brake light illuminated. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the brake system needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 169,000. Updated 10/23/2014*lj updated 05/21/2015
When driving the vehicle, at random times the ABS system warning lights turn on and then I have no brakes. I have taken it to several repair shops, seen various mechanics and dealerships and it continues to be a serious problem. No one has been able to solve or fix the problem. As a senior citizen, I am not in a position to purchase a newer vehicle, thus I continue to drive this vehicle. I am afraid that I may not be as fortunate when the brakes go out again.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge caravan. The contact stated that he brakes failed to disengage after starting the vehicle. The contact stated that once the vehicle was turned on the brakes made a loud noise and the ABS light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician was unable to diagnose the problem. However, they replaced the rotor and pads. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000 and the current mileage was 114,000. The VIN number was unavailable.
While driving down on ramp at chamberlayne ave in richmond, va to major highway i64 cutoff completely, no power, no brakes no nothing! Second time, travel @ approx. 65 MPH on i64 near bottoms bridge exit on i64, car cut off, no power, no brakes, no nothing! Third time - entering i64 towards va beach, va in traffic approx. 40 MPH, car cut off, no power, no brakes, no nothing; fourth time - while driving down mercury blvd at the king st exit ramp, 20 MPH, car cut off, no power, no brakes, no nothing! Fifth time, leaving work at 2114 executive dr, hpt va, approx. 10mph entering into street, car cut off, no power, no brakes, no nothing, after being evaluated for 8 hrs by dodge dealership; sixth time, when leaving mercury blvd at king st exit ramp, 20 MPH, car cut off, no power, no brakes, no nothing after computer was reset!
Tl* the contact owns a 1993 dodge caravan. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the brakes failed when applied. The contact was able to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis where it was stated that the brake assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
Second time, no brakes no travel of pedal. Seems like different brakes would be in order.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caravan. The contact stated that the front passenger tire began to wobble while driving approximately 55. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for a diagnostic test. The technicians stated that the brakes failed, causing the wheel to reach a temperature of 900 degrees and wobble. The technician stated that the front rotors and calipers would have to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 59,000. Updated 01/05/12*lj updated 01/11/12
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder
- What is wrong
- The master cylinder rear seal, between the hydraulic fluid and the vacuum reservoir, may not seal adequately allowing hydraulic fluid to be drawn into the power assist vacuum reservoir.
- Risk
- As the hydraulic fluid in the master cylinder reservoir decreases, the level sensor will detect the loss of fluid and illuminate the instrument panel brake warning lamp. Continued operation of the vehicle with the warning lamp illuminated can result in extended stopping distances.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder on all affected vehicles. Addendum (4-14-97): vehicles inspected per chrysler recall no. 707 and found to be outside the listed suspect master cylinder date code range, must now have the master cylinder primary piston replaced (chrysler recall no. 714).
Recall number 96V215000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
- What is wrong
- The ABS hydraulic control unit can experience excessive brake actuator piston seal wear causing pump-motor deterioration.
- Risk
- If this condition occurs, the ABS function could be lost and reduced power assist would be experienced during vehicle braking increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
- Remedy
- Dealers will test the vehicle's anti-lock brake system and repair the vehicles if necessary. Also the warranty on all ABS components will be extended to 10 years or 100,000 miles (except for the brake actuator piston assembly and the pump-motor assembly which will have a lifetime coverage). Owners will also be reimbursed for previous ABS component repair costs.
Recall number 96V099000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- The anti-lock brake system high pressure pump may be porous which will result in brake fluid leakage.
- Risk
- Fluid leakage eventually causes the loss of both theanti-lock brake system and hydraulic assist for the brake system, resulting inincreased likelihood of brake lockup and increased stopping distances, whichcould result in a vehicle accident.
- Remedy
- Replace the ABS high pressure pump and high pressure hose if the last six digits of the bar code label on the pump are between 052300 and 059262.
Recall number 92V030000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- The anti-lock brake system high pressure hose may leak or detach at its crimped end fitting resulting in the discharge of hydraulic fluid.
- Risk
- Fluid discharge eventually causes the loss of both theanti-lock brake system and hydraulic assist for the brake system, resulting inincreased likelihood of brake lockup and increased stopping distances, whichcould result in a vehicle accident.
- Remedy
- Replace the ABS high pressure hose with a hose of different design and construction.
Recall number 91V191000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages
- What is wrong
- The brake pedal pad attachment to the pedal arm may not have adequate strength due to mislocation of welds, and could break.
- Risk
- Failure of the pedal pad to pedal arm attachment resultsin loss of braking ability, and could result in an accident.
- Remedy
- Replace inadequate brake pedals with properly manufactured pedals.
Recall number 91V170000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: differential proportional valve
- What is wrong
- Incorrect screws may have been used in installing the load sensing brake proportioning valve to its bracket causing the clamping load to be less than intended.
- Risk
- This could result in inconsistent front to rear brakebalance with potential for rear brake skid under heavy braking conditions.
- Remedy
- Replace proportioning valve to bracket screws with proper length screws.
Recall number 90V145000 · Recall details
Questions about the Dodge Caravan brake failure
Which Dodge Caravan years have brake failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1993 (93 complaints), 1992 (76 complaints) and 1991 (53 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix brake failure on the Dodge Caravan?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,800 (median of 9 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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